You're probably familiar with the shortest verse in the Bible being "Jesus wept" John 11:35. However, I wish there was a verse that concise to remind us that He also "slept". Jesus was sleeping on a pillow in Mark 4:38 when the diciples awakened him and asked him if he cared that the storm was raging around them. This verse says so much more than that the diciples had little faith. Jesus Christ was actually on the boat w/ these people and they doubted He was still in control of the storm around them. But it says something ELSE TOO! God the Son, meaning Jesus Christ who was also 100% human as he was 100% diety UNDERSTOOD our physical need for rest. He, Himself, SLEPT! This month I have battled the ability to rest at all. I experienced many sleepless nights and sleepless nap-attempts. I was up worrying about things...and when I wasn't worrying about other things, I was worried I would have a sleepless night. It was MISERABLE. I was walking around during the day in a complete fog, exhausted. But night would fall, and I dreaded my bed...lying awake in a panic that morning was sneaking up on me. I was definitely in sin by all the worrying because God commands us to not worry in SEVERAL scriptures in his word. But I was struggling to turn it off. Worrying is no good. It's one of God's favorite things to do on our behalf, but we rob him of that by doing it ourself. I don't know why. We definitely do not enjoy panicking over uncontrollable things...it is one of Satan's pleasures to hang worry over our heads, but we need to remember that God alone is in control. The best thing we can do is plunge ourselves into His word, "dwell on what is true" (Phil. 4:8) and leave the worrying to the Lord. James commands us to "submit ourselves to the Lord (that includes our thought-life), resist Satan and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:7-8
So...how does that work if we continue to not rest? I have had a LONG MONTH of battling this, but here's the good news. God has won the war. Sometimes we have to go to battle but God has won the war. Take refuge in that dear friends and Moms and remember God DOES want you to rest. He created an entire day for it! He also commands us to "Be anxious for NOTHING but in all things with thanksgiving make our petitions known to him." Philipians 4: 6-8
Stop worrying, don't be anxious, give your cares to the Lord, dwell on the truth and pray about the worry and things that ail you. That is all found in the word of God. Hold on to Him! He loves you...and remember that the God of the universe never slumbers or sleeps. When you are awake in the wee hours of the night or morning -whether it be worrying or with a baby who is fussy or restless, getting up to start the day or just can't fall asleep at night- the God who never sleeps is watching you and is right there next to you ready to comfort you and whisper scripture's truths in your ear. God is so good! Praise his holy name! Have a great and peaceful week full of rest!
With a heart and soul full of purpose,
Andrea
